Vulture hoedown

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), one of the two native species of vultures in North America. I was just pulling out of the Lane to run some errands, when I saw a large flock of over 30 of these great black birds. Quickly turned the car around, dashed back home, grabbed Big Daddy and spent the next half hour watching and photographing these cool birds! And doesn't it just look like this one is dancing?

A few fun Black Vulture facts (from Cornell's All About Birds)...

Black Vultures are monogamous, staying with their mates for many years, all year round. They feed their young for as many as eight months after fledging, and maintain strong social bonds with their families throughout their lives.

Black Vultures feed almost exclusively on carrion, locating it by soaring high in the skies on thermals. From this vantage they can spot carcasses and also keep an eye on Turkey Vultures—which have a more developed sense of smell—and follow them toward food.

Black Vultures lack a voice box and so their vocal abilities are limited to making raspy hisses and grunts.

Males and females are the same size with an average length 23.6–26.8 in (60–68 cm), a wingspan of 53.9–59.1 in (137–150 cm) and weight of
56.4–77.6 oz (1600–2200 g).

A lot of people don't like vultures, but I find them fascinating and strangely beautiful in a homely sort of way. If you share my enjoyment of the, you may want to look at the 8 other shots I posted on Flickr, starting HERE!

Our temps have zoomed up to 57 F today - a far cry from our sub-zero temps of only a few days ago. Unfortunately, the warm air is accompanied by heavy and steady rain, so it is definitely and indoor kind of day.

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Debbi